Pillar Today

  • Cross River To Benefit From FG’s $538.5 Million Special Agro Programme

    Cross River To Benefit From FG’s $538.5 Million Special Agro Programme

    Governor Bassey Otu

    By Anietie Akpan

    Cross River state is to benefit from the Federal Government’s $538.5 million Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Programme.

    Already the state government at its 5th  Executive Council (Exco) meeting on Friday presided over by the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu at the Council of Chief Chamber (temporary meeting venue of the Exco), gave approval for the release of the State’s counterpart fund for the programme which Cross River is the only state in the South-South zone of the country qualified for it.

    African Development Bank (ADB), which is one of the project partners is injecting over $210 million in investment funds into seven participating States in Nigeria including Cross River State for the programme.

    Other project partners such as the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are jointly contributing $310 million while the Nigerian Government is investing $18.05 million.

    This was contained in the eighth point resolutions of the 5th State Exco meeting as signed by State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang.

    Other approvals granted by the Exco according to Ekpang in a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, include the draft Executive Bill seeking to establish a State University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Awi, Akamkpa local government area. The proposed university is to take over the current facilities of the State College of Education, Awi, Akamkpa local government area.

    The Information Commissioner explained that the approved Executive Bill will be transmitted to the State Legislature for further legislative action, including public hearing by the legislature, before final nod is given to the proposal.

    He said the Exco also approved, “a proposal seeking a strategic collaboration in the State  between Universities and Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) to foster local fabrication of basic necessities in Agriculture, Education materials, Health care, Water and Sanitation.

    “The acceptance of  Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s (AMCON) offer to settle outstanding indebtedness for Tinapa Business Resort, whereby in eighteen months the State will make full redemption of its obligations  through equal monthly instalment payments and thereafter, pave way for future investments and revitalization efforts for the resort”.

    The State Library which is currently under renovation got an approval for a revised scope of work after it was disclosed that the earlier contractor, an indigenous firm, disappointed the State and had its contract revoked.

    The State Cabinet also approved the proposal for Urban Water Rehabilitation to be facilitated by development partners, without cost to the State Government. The said funds will be credited as grant in tranches within the duration of the project,  Ekpang said.

    Flagging off the meeting, Governor Otu charged members of the  Exco to brace up for greater records of successes in this second year of the Administration.

    He said a good number of achievements have been recorded by the Administration in the last one year and “much more would have been recorded if not for some obvious challenges that are receiving attention currently…results are what matter and very soon, we are getting to where results will count and every Commissioner must brace up.”

    He commended all Exco members for the role they have played individually and collectively for the Administration to record the achievements accounted for it within the first year.

  • C’River Partners NUJ To Fight Quackery In Health Sector

    C’River Partners NUJ To Fight Quackery In Health Sector

    The State Coordinator of the Taskforce, Dr. Dan Abubakar (middle), State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey (2nd R) and others during the courtesy visit. 

    By Anietie Akpan

    The State Taskforce on Health Quality and Anti-quackery has sought collaboration with the Cross River Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to fight quackery in the health sector.

    A press release by the spokesman of the Taskforce, Kingsley Agim said this partnership was expedient in order to strengthen advocacy on health quality as well as nib all forms of quackery in the bud.

    The Taskforce made the partnership request when its coordinator led a five-member delegation on a courtesy visit on the state NUJ leadership, recently, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.

    Addressing the NUJ leaders, the State Coordinator of the Taskforce, Dr. Dan Abubakar, said the body was inaugurated on March 14 at the behest of the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to enforce adherence to guidelines that promote health quality, promote and facilitate accreditation of the state’s health institutions, regulate and streamline free medical outreaches in the state, among others.

    Attributing the high rate of cancer, kidney and liver diseases to patronage of substandard health services, Dr Abubakar appealed to the media professionals to lend their expertise in re-orienting the public from unprofessional health services in the state.

    He said his team is doing a lot in terms of advocacy to health stakeholders like hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and even patent medicine dealers, as well as disabuse the public of the idea of patronizing quacks for their healthcare needs.

    He informed that the Taskforce had concluded arrangements to begin clampdown on illegal, unfit and unregistered health facilities across the State, with Ben Damare Clinic in Ekori, Yakurr local government area, their fist point of call.

    In her response, the Chairman of the State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, welcomed the team to the secretariat of the NUJ, and thanked them for deeming it necessary to partner with journalists in the fight against quackery in the state.

    She lauded the Taskforce’s proactive efforts, which she described as “a welcome development that will enhance health quality for the benefit of citizens and residents of the state”.

    She assured of NUJ’s preparedness to partner with the Anti-quackery team in sensitizing the public and deepening advocacy against quackery in the health sector of the state.

    “We will do our best to complement government efforts in repositioning the health sector”, she said acknowledging the effort of the present administration in the all-important sector.

  • C’River Govt. Seals Off Unfit Private Clinic In Yakurr LGA

    C’River Govt. Seals Off Unfit Private Clinic In Yakurr LGA

    By Anietie Akpan

    Cross River state government has sealed off an unregistered and unfit private clinic in the state.

    The sealed health facility is Ben Damare Clinic and Maternity at Ekori community in Yakurr Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    A press release from the Information Officer, Kingsley Agim on behalf of the State Taskforce on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery, said this development is yet another action of the Governor Bassey Otu’s led administration to maintain healthcare quality and exterminate quackery and other untoward practices in the health sector of the State, having clamped down on a quack Trado-Medical trade fair in Ogoja few weeks ago.

    The Coordinator of the State Taskforce on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery, Dr. Dan Abubakar, said the closure became necessary after confirming from the State Ministry of Health that the clinic was not on the list of registered facilities in Cross River.

    Dr. Abubakar said the Taskforce alongside a team of policemen from Ekori Police Station, carried out the operation after the community raised the alarm on increasing maternal and infant mortality rates, having lost a mother and her twin babies and another mother and child after caesarean sections in quick succession.

    He pointed out that even the most cursory look at the clinic’s set-up shows pproblem and assured of his Taskforce’s resolve to rid the state health sector of quacks and their merchandise.

    The Taskforce Coordinator maintained that medical practice in Cross River State must be done in strict compliance to laid down rules and regulations.

    The proprietor of the clinic, one Dr Olisa Obi claimed he graduated from University of Port Harcourt and also works with an non-governmental organization (NGO) in Ebonyi state.

    Obi said he will provide available documents to prove his facility was duly registered to deliver health services.

    On the spate of maternal and infant deaths in the facility, the embattled clinic owner cited complications as the major pointer to those occurrences, adding that in such situations, regrettable as they seem, death could occur.

    After formal written statements by the Taskforce Coordinator, the clinic owner and his manager have both been detained by Police at Ekori for further investigation, arraignment before the court for possible prosecution.

  • Two Laurels In One Week: Exciting Moments At Access Nation

    OPINION

    By Olufemi Jacob

    Access Bank Group is in a jubilant mood. It’s about to open its rights issue through which it hopes to raise a whopping N356 billion that would shore up its capital base above the mandatory N500 billion. Just as the executives were working hard to finalize the fine details of regulatory requirements, the group received two pieces of exciting news last week. First, chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede was honoured with the prestigious African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award.

    The honour was presented at the African Banker Awards gala dinner and awards ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya, on the side-lines of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank, and in the same week, the bank was recognised, for the third time, as Nigeria’s most valuable brand, according to the latest data from Brand Finance. The 2024 report reveals a remarkable 73% increase in Access Bank’s brand value, solidifying its position as the most valuable banking brand in Nigeria.

    If many in the industry were surprised, they did not show it. The bank has always outperformed expectations in many ways since 2002: profitability; asset size; customer volume and efficiency rations. But clinching the top spot in Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the world’s Top 500 Banking Brands for the third consecutive year is a spectacular triumph.

    Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, stated: “We are proud to once again be recognised as Nigeria’s most valuable brand. This accolade is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. We will continue to focus on delivering exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders, driving positive impact across the communities we serve.”

    The values of brands in the ranking are calculated using the Royalty Relief approach, a method compliant with ISO 10668 standards. This approach estimates future revenues attributable to a brand by calculating a royalty rate that would be charged for its use, arriving at a ‘brand value’ that reflects the net economic benefit achievable by licensing the brand in the open market.

    Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, reported that banking brands contributed a substantial 50% of the overall brand value among Nigeria’s top 25 brands. Within the Nigeria 25 2024 ranking, banking brands not only emerged as the most valuable, but also the strongest and fastest growing.

    Access Bank’s brand value soared to N355.3 billion, making it the 31st most valuable brand in Africa according to the Brand Finance Africa 200 2024. This impressive growth is primarily driven by significant increases in interest-based income, reflecting improved revenues and robust financial performance.

    For Aig-Imoukhuede, the lifetime laurel speaks to his dedication to transforming the African banking and financial landscape. His illustrious career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by exceptional leadership and transformative accomplishments. As the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank from 2002 to 2013, he led the lender’s transformation from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks, extending its presence to nine other African countries and the United Kingdom. With a vision to democratise wealth creation opportunities for millions in Africa, Aigboje established Coronation Group – a conglomerate encompassing most aspects of investing, lending, and insurance with a presence in Nigeria and other African countries.

    Speaking on the award, Aig-Imoukhuede said: “This award honours the collective efforts of over 10,000 talented individuals, mostly Africans whom I have had the privilege to work with throughout my journey. As professionals, recognition spurs us to strive for greater levels of excellence. I am deeply humbled and motivated to continue contributing to Africa’s growth and development.”

    Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher & Managing Director, African Banker magazine, put it more succinctly, “We would like to honour your remarkable career achievements as a leader in Africa. Today, Access Bank stands as a behemoth in African banking. As brilliantly described in your book, “Leaving the Tarmac” Access bank started its life as a third-tier bank, but your visionary leadership, as well as that of the late Herbert Wigwe, transformed it into an institution that commands immense respect and admiration.”

    As part of the celebrations, Aig-Imoukhuede visited Kenya’s President William Ruto, at the state house in Nairobi. Their discussions centred on strengthening financial markets, enhancing public sector effectiveness, and fostering sustainable economic growth across Africa. This visit exemplifies Aigboje’s belief in the power of collaborative leadership and the pivotal role that strong financial institutions play in driving national development.

    Reflecting on the visit, Aig-Imoukhuede stated that, “in meeting with President Ruto, I was inspired by our shared commitment to driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development across Africa. Our discussions reinforced the critical role that collaborative leadership and robust financial institutions play in nation-building. I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to create a prosperous future for our continent.”

    Aig-Imoukhuede’s impact extends beyond banking. Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and its subsidiaries – the Africa Initiative for Governance, and the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute – Aigboje and his wife, Ofovwe, manage a $100 million family commitment aimed at building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, transforming public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary healthcare. His vision for the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), announced in Davos in 2020, aims to establish 774 world-class primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria, showcasing his dedication to addressing critical societal needs. Aig-Imoukhuede’s advocacy for sustainable banking practices has left an indelible mark on the financial sector. As a member of Nigeria’s Bankers’ Committee, he led the adoption of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles in 2012, an initiative that has been emulated by several countries globally. His leadership in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices underscores the critical role of financial institutions in fostering economic development while protecting the environment.

    Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership was previously recognised in 2013 when he received the ‘African Banker of the Year’ Award. Following a decade of accomplishments in banking and beyond, the African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award highlights his enduring commitment to nation-building and sustainable development. His legacy of transformative leadership, sustainable banking practices, and philanthropic dedication continues to inspire and drive positive change across Africa.

  • C’River Govt. Reiterates Commitment To Tackle Environmental Issues

    C’River Govt. Reiterates Commitment To Tackle Environmental Issues

    Participants at the symposium on Wednesday.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing measures to protect the forest and its biodiversity.

    The Governor made this known while declaring open a 2-day symposium to commemorate the ‘World Environment Day’ at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar on Wednesday, specified that his government will promote land restoration, combat dissertation, and enhance drought

    Governor Otu represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, intimated that the state is blessed with abundant natural resources, from rainforest to fertile farmlands, noting that rapid urbanization, deforestation and sustainable land use practices have placed immense pressure on our ecosystem, leading to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.

    Responding to these changes, Governor Otu highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in tackling these issues head-on and urged stakeholders and local communities to join hands in sustainable management of land resources.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Moses Osogi said, “we gather to celebrate and advocate for the preservation of our environment with a special focus on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” .

    He said, “Cross River State is committed to implementing sustainable land management practices that seek to promote the restoration of degraded lands, increase soil fertility and enhance biodiversity”.

    He decried a situation were one-fifth of the Earth’s lands are now degraded and negatively affecting the well-being of more than three billion people and getting worse stating that restoring our ecosystems can create havens for wildlife, helping to halt the extinction crisis gripping our planet.

    A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Orok Edet from the University of Calabar on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” followed by Prof. Francis Bisong’s presentation on “Man and the Environment.”

    Additionally, Uguamanim Dien discussed “The Effect of Air Pollution from Public Burning,” while Dr. Dennis Agiande, also from the University of Calabar,  addressed “Harmful Effects of Styrofoam on Human Health,”

  • C’River Partners Research Institutes To Drive Agriculture, Pays N150 million Monthly For Project GROW

    C’River Partners Research Institutes To Drive Agriculture, Pays N150 million Monthly For Project GROW

    The Executive Director, Lake Chad Research Institute, Alhaji Baba Gana Kabir (R) and Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebekpo in a hand shake whole Gov Bassey Otu watches from the background. 

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Cross River state government entered collaborative agreements with the Lake Chad Institute of Research and the Ahmadu Bello University Institute of Research to boost agricultural productivity in the state.

    This partnership aims to provide improved seeds for various crops such as maize, wheat, and cowpeas.

    The State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who witnessed the signing of the partnership done in his office, between the State Commissioner for Agriculture and the representatives of the two institutions, emphasized the importance of agriculture, stating that it is the state’s main focus.

    The government is committed to subsidizing all factors of production and has conducted soil mapping to optimize crop cultivation, he said.

    Adding that government initiatives like Project GROW aim to provide farmers with access to finance, ensuring sustainable and profitable agricultural practices in the state.

    Gov. Otu highlighted measures taken preparatory to the launch of the different Agriculture value chains in the state, saying, “we try to focus on Agriculture in way and manner that is sustainable, and ensures that risk is reduced to the barest minimum.  We have carried out and completed the soil mapping of our State to know the soil texture of each location and what crop will have better yeild in each soil type to ensure maximum yield in crop cultivation.

    “In the state, we have created project GROW, one of the missing links has been access to finance for farmers and off takers. We created the platform where we pay in N150m every month. We are trying to make sure all the value chains have access to funds to own the farms and increase their production.

    “Our focus on commercial agriculture is very clear, and we cannot be growing seeds or buying seeds. It is in line with this that we are collaborating with you. You are tested and proven with results in other climes.”

    The governor assured them of the State’s support acknowledging the rich land and water resources available in the State.

    Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, Lake Chad Research Institute, Alhaji Baba Gana Kabir said, the state is making history within the Southern region in Agriculture.

    He said, “Cross River is making history, what we are doing here today is unprecedented, we have collaborations in North East and North West. This is the first of it’s kind in the southern part of Nigeria”.

    Kabir said the Institute has been involved in research of several varieties of Agriculture crops with proven records in the Northern parts of the country and “one of our core mandate is the genetic improvement of several crops, some of these crops are maize, cowpea, sorghum, ground nut, cotton, sunflower and others. We are both involved in the genetic improvement of both food and medicinal crops.

    “We have varieties that can do very well in almost all ecologies, for instance three ecology in Nigeria supports wheats and one of them is the Obudu plateau. We also have over 50 varieties of maize and cowpeas.”

    Considering the current economic reality in the country, Kabir emphasized the need to prioritize agriculture as the mainstay  for the country’s economic recovery.

    He said that, “if you look at the economy of the country, companies are collapsing, agriculture should be considered as the mainstay for the economic recovery of the country”

    This collaboration is expected to accelerate agriculture productivity, contribute to food security and drive economic growth in the State.

    The commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebekpo Jnr who signed on behalf of Cross River  assured that the state will fulfil her part in the partnership in other to derive greater benefits.

  • NGO, Cross River Forest Communities Kick Over Activities Of Illegal Loggers

    NGO, Cross River Forest Communities Kick Over Activities Of Illegal Loggers

    The controversial wood processing factory.

    By Anietie Akpan

    A community based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Etara-Eyeyeng Forest Concern and some forest communities in Cross River state have raised the alarm over the activities of illegal loggers in the state.

    The NGO with support from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), said the illegal logging activities by one Stanley Mba, the owner a controversial wood processing factory situated at the centre of the two forest communities is alarming.

    In a chat with some newsmen, they said it was disappointing that the massive logging in the Etara-Eyeyeng community forest was not perpetrated by the owners of the forest but rather its being done by foreigners from other states and countries who paid what they described as peanuts to community leaders.

    Condemning the act, the Project Coordinator and Adviser of Etara-Eyeyeng Forest Concern, Mr. Clement Omina disclosed that the state forestry law does not allow a non-indigene to enter into any community forest”.

    “Even the indigenes don’t just go to the forest like that, we move with the forestry staff who go and ascertain that that wood has met its age and is capable of being sowed then they will now give you the permit to sow. The forest that is supposed to be protected has been so far destroyed because it was not properly managed.” Omina added.

    Equally speaking, the Resource Person of the NGO, Mr. Owen Oyama, said, “based on what is on ground, the communities don’t understand the gravity of their action, they just collect the peanuts and go to sleep, we are not happy with what we are seeing.

    “We have seen it now that the factory is real and trunk of logs in hundreds are  kept at the factory to be sliced taken to wherever they are planning to take them to, I won’t be surprised if they take it outside the state. Now, we are going to partner with the communities, National Park, Forestry Commission and NCS to enforce and monitor without necessarily arresting anybody, to put a caution to the mode of evacuation and timber falling”.

    He further said, “we are working with the Forestry Commission and the National Park to do a detailed engagement template to see how we can curtail the issue because if we allow what we saw in the factory to continue with the calibre of machines we saw there, in six months, we may be falling the whole of the reserve to feed the factory, which is not good for the communities”.

    Meanwhile, the two forest communities of Etara and Eyeyeng both from same clan in the state are bickering over the alleged establishment of a wood factory by a non-indigene in their forest.

    One of the Chiefs from Etara community, Ntufam Asam Egbe who spoke on behalf of the community said the community was not aware of any agreement to allow the establishment of a wood factory in the heart of the forest.

    He claimed, “We appointed our youths to take care of the monitoring, they are the timber union and we expected them to monitor such activities and give us report but to our greatest surprise, we didn’t know how come a factory was built in our forest and when we asked chiefs from Eyeyeng community, they asked us what is wrong in allowing good things to come to them but some of them still claimed ignorance” saying, “we are not a party to the agreement, we have no hand in it but with the way some chiefs answered us, we are sure they know about it”.

    On the contrary, one of the Chiefs from Eyeyeng, Obol Patrick Ogar Nada said the Chiefs and members of the clan are all aware of the establishment and agreement to build a wood factory in their forest that the only challenge was that the owner of the factory has not kept to the agreement of fixing the Etara/Eyeyeng road that is currently in a deplorable state.

    He however claimed that Eyeyeng community has not collected any royalty after the negotiation with the factory.

    He said, “the people cannot come without the consent of the communities or the clan because the people are the custodians of the land. So when the factory owners came, we told them what to do, especially the road issue, we are suffering from it and they agreed but they said we should allow them start their business but they have not done anything since.

    “Our clan head and other village heads are involved in this, they know about their presence. And the Forestry commission is supposed to know about it too, apart from the negotiations they had with the communities, we are not getting any royalty.”

    When contacted, the owner of the factory who hails from Ebonyi state, Stanley Mba said he had undergone all the necessary processes, claiming that his company bought the land from one of the community people but failed to mention names.

    He added, “I paid for the land, I am a Nigerian, I have the right to set up a factory anywhere I wish to”.

     

  • Cross River Residents Recount Their Pains, Frustration, As Labour Suspends Strike

    Cross River Residents Recount Their Pains, Frustration, As Labour Suspends Strike

    By Ita Williams

    The people of Cross River State have recounted the impact of the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) saying the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government is a total failure.

    During the strike banks, government offices, and some petrol stations were shut, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty.

    One bank customer, Florence Ben, expressed her frustration, saying, “even banks refuse to fill the ATMs. I don’t really know what they want us to do in this country. Our government is insensitive to people’s plight. In fact this government is a disaster and it shows that it was not the will of the people”.

    Recounting their pains, they said the President Bola Tinubu’s led government is a total disaster and a misadventure considering its insensitive and no people oriented policies and programmes.

    For a business owner, Mr. Okam Emmanuel, the strike has had a negative impact on his operations. He lamented, “to me, if this continues, people will move exodus to other countries.”

    Angela Unoh, a petty trader, spoke about the toll the strike has taken on her small business saying “even before the strike, things have been so difficult for since Tinubu took over power. My business is not moving and with the strike things are worse. The president should address the cost of fuel and other things and not the national anthem”.

    Similarly, Mr. Daniel Ofat, a commercial driver, shared his story, saying that the strike has made it difficult for his family to have even one square meal. This country is frustrating”.

    Madam Theresa Abang expressed her concerns, stating, “ever since the inception of Tinubu, I have not even been able to travel to Okurikang to buy foo foo in bags as I used to. My capital cannot buy anything because of the high cost of things”.

    Meanwhile , the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced the suspension of the one-day-old strike for about a week.

    The president of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, made this announcement after a joint extraordinary national executive council meeting of the unions.

    The nationwide strike was called to register the unions’ grievances over the hike in electricity tariff and the demand for a new minimum wage.

    The strike had disrupted activities across the country, shutting down airports, seaports, and other critical sectors of the economy.

    The unions’ decision to temporarily halt the action has provided a sigh of relief for the affected residents, who hope to see a resolution to the issues that led to the initial strike.

  • Obong’s Throne: Reconciliation Committee Submits Interim Report, Assures of Truce

    Obong’s Throne: Reconciliation Committee Submits Interim Report, Assures of Truce

    By Magnus Effiong

    The Efik kingdom may soon experience lasting peace among various contenders and interest groups which had been at daggers drawn over succession to the throne of the Obong of Calabar, PillarToday gathered at the weekend.

    Recall that the Palace had late last year, in response to an advice by the State government, set up the Independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee, to reconcile and nib in the mud animosity and bad blood which had enveloped the ancient kingdom for the past 16 years of legal fireworks.

    The Independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee, which dropped the hint shortly after submitting the interim report of their assignment to the Palace of the Obong of Calabar last week, said truce was a possibility.

    Fielding questions from a cross section of the press in Calabar after submitting the interim report, the Chairman of the Committee, Justice Michael Edem (rtd) said “We had set about the assignment with determination and we have come to an interim end, if I may say so. Having come to an interim end, an interim report is therefore a desideratum.

    “The outcome of the assignment was to pour oil on the troubled water – the Efik throne. The Efik kingdom is not new to what had been happening recently. We were mandated to bring down the tension and shoot down the problems and also restore peace, tranquility which the Efiks are very much noted for. We are hopeful for with God nothing is impossible.”

    Another key member of the committee and former Deputy Governor of the State, Barr Efiok Cobham, corroborated and added, “We have succeeded in our assignment and we have submitted a report to the Obong-in-Council today.”

    On the workability of the report, the former Deputy Governor said, “It is a human situation so there are no clear-cut conclusions. It’s ongoing. But we’ve set in part in our report to the Etuboms Council, steps to be taken to encourage further reconciliation.”

    Cobham acknowledged the complexities of the situation, noting that “Twins do disagree, then talk-less about a larger composition like the Efik kingdom,” but expressed confidence in the progress made, pointing to the relatively few responses to their call for memoranda as an indication of general satisfaction with the status quo.

    “Apart from the issue in court which could be subjudice if pressed, which we cannot talk about here, I think there is a level of calmness in the Efik kingdom. The truth is Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V is one Obong that has stayed quite long on the throne.

    “This is 16 years on the throne. For a very long time, we’ve not had a king that has stayed this long. You could see even the support from the various families that constitute the kingdom. They’ve been coming here to pay homage. That on its own should tell you that all is well.”

    Pressed by Journalists on the nitty-gritty of the report, Cobham explained that the report submitted included several key proposals to ensure lasting peace, and emphasized the need for inclusivity.

    “We have said that the palace should be open to everybody who wants to come in. The palace should be able to embrace even those who disagree. We are all one family. We will be happy to have everyone on board.

    “We’ve also asked them to look into the loopholes that gave birth to the current disagreement to prevent future reoccurrence of the issue,” Cobham explained.

    In an interaction, the Chairman of the Etubom Traditional Council, Etubom Bassey. O.B. Duke, said the Palace was yet to go through the report but assured that the Traditional Council would abide by the recommendations for the unity and peace of Efik kingdom.

  • RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION IN AKS: A CASE FOR UDA – ODUENIM – ORUKO – UBORO ROAD.

    RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION IN AKS: A CASE FOR UDA – ODUENIM – ORUKO – UBORO ROAD.

     

    By Edet-Honesty Effiong

    In an essentially pedestrian, agro – centric, rural economy, infrastructure means Roads. And in socioeconomic governance, road means growth and development. This basically underscores the overwhelming importance of road infrastructure in the overall well-being of a people.

    Today, Akwa Ibom State is rated as the State with best network of roads in Nigeria, with the State capital, Uyo, listed as one of the 7 fastest growing cities in Africa, courtesy of the infrastructural revolution begun by Arc. Obong Victor Attah as Governor in 1999. The State is now a leading sub – national especially in the area of road infrastructure.

    A pedestrian economy at creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom State has, within this short period, emerged as the most visited region in Nigeria based on the scope and speed of development in all ramifications. And if this tempo is sustained, hopefully, the State could become the Eldorado and the ‘Dubai’ of Africa in the very near future.

    Thanks to his ARISE Agenda, Governor Umoh Enoh has zeroed in on rural infrastructure development as one of his administration’s cardinal programs. And in the first one year of this government, one can, without a doubt, conclude that the revolution in rural infrastructural renaissance across the State, including the hitherto neglected, but strategically located coastal region of Oron, is on steady stride. This program has actually resonated with the citizens.

    If Akwa Ibom State must really be seen as truly developed, then every socioeconomic factor needed to stimulate Commerce and the economy Oro Nation, which is the gateway to the blue economy along the Cameroun corridor within the Gulf of Guinea, must be prioritized. Consequently, therefore, road development in the region must be seen, not only as a necessity, but a sinequanon . Thanksfully, Pastor Umoh Enoh understands!

    But, much as we remain enthusiastic, applauding the Governor’s efforts in this regard, there’s the compelling need to draw his attention to a particular and very strategic, but abandoned road project in Oron region. However, before then, I we shall fail to advise the Governor to be careful not to be misled selfish, short – sighted, and clanish politicians who might want to identify only ‘ political’ roads , the ones that may not really address the greater socioeconomic needs and well-being of the greater majority of the people of the region and Akwa Ibom State in general.

    To this end, therefore, there’s wisdom enlisting the support and services of Paramount Rulers and Community Dev Associations to identify those critical road infrastructure within their domain that will greatly impact the lives of the masses. One is tempted to offer this advice in view of what one witnessed some years back when a certain Minister of the Federal Republic from this region constructed a Federal highway to his house, a distance of about 2kms.; meanwhile the said road connected about 9 densely populated communities in the region, spanning about 15.6kms. Today,, that project remained abandoned at that stage for the past 42 years. This scenario is already playing out in some of the places where road construction are ongoing or earmarked for construction.

    This now brings me to the subject matter of this conversation; the case of Uda – Oduenim – Oruko – Uboro Road. This road connects several communities in Mbo, Urue Offong/ Oruko/ Oron local government areas. It’s, arguably, the longest single rural road infrastructure in the whole Oron.

    Historically, this road was the only route on land that provided access from Oron mainland to the coastal region then known as Effiat/Mbo zone.

    It’s on record that this road had been earmarked for construction since the days of Dr. M. I. Okpara, Premier of the now defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria. A feeble attempt at its construction was undertaken during the administration of  Brig – Gen. U.J. Esuene in the erstwhile South Eastern State immediately after the Nigerian civil war. This particular road project was a recurring item on the Budget of the former Oron Local Government from 1976 till the creation of Mbo LGA. in 1989. Yet not a single piece of riad architecture was laid throughout this period.

    Recall that the only time actual attempt was made to build this very important road occurred in 2001 by the administration of Arc. Obong Victor Attah. Unfortunately, and very painfully too, the project was abandoned few weeks after commencement, owing probably to the actions of some corrupt, selfish and clanish politicians in corridors of power then whose property/villages didn’t fall within the road’s right of way to attract huge compensation from government.

    It would amount to an understatement to say that the construction of road  will positively impacts the lines of the vast population of the people that inhabit this region, boosting local trade and commerce and increased social interactions.

    It’s nostalgic to recall here that this road is located within the zone that once served as the economic nerves of Oro Nation. Apart from the daily markets in Oron Urban ( Akani Obio),  the two largest and most thriving markets in the entire Oron land ( Oruko and Uda markets) lied along this route. The Uda fish Market then attracted buyers throughout Oron and beyond. Ask any fish trader from the old Eket, the whole Nsit nation, Uyo and beyond and they would tell you how they rued the closure of this popular market from where tthey used to source their twice weekly dried fish supplies. I recall also when traders from the distant land of Afikpo in the present day Ebonyi State would camp in this market for months, trading in various kinds of merchandise.

    It’s worth recalling also that Oruko was the second largest centre of commerce in Oro Nation then after Oron Urban. That was made possible when this road this remained motorable, especially the Uda – Oduenim section. The famous Oruko market would always bring commercial activities from morning till night, with traders coming from as far away regions of Aba, Onitsha, Port Harcourt etcetera.

    The Uda – Oduenim – Oruko – Uboro road when constructed will be a lifeline for rural commerce, a catalyst for socioeconomic growth, integration and transformation within the Oro heartland. It is sure going to be a game – changer for businesses and travellers, will unlock new opportunities and stem the ever – increasing rural – urban migration. Travel time between the hinterland Oron and the coastal region of Mbo will be reduced considerably. And if the Ibom Deep Seaport would also serve the needs the local population here, while bolstering trans – national commerce and stimulating economic growth, then this road is it.

    No road within this region would make more meaning to the of Uquong, Ubodung, Ibighi and Okpo Clans in Mbo, Urue Offong/Oruko and Oron local council areas vis a vis access to the Ibom Deep Seaport than this road. To access the Seaport even from Uyo, the State capital through Oron Urban, Eyo Abasi, Udung Uko, Ebughu, Enwang, Afi, Uda Orukim would not only be time wasting, but long and circuitous. Whearas, the Uya – Oron, Uboro, Oruko Uda route from the East – West Road to Methodist’s Primary School, Uda on the Etebi – Enwang Road will save a lot of travel time.

    Consequently ,as work is steadily progressing on the Orukim – Unyenge – Ibom Deep Seaport Road, there’s the corresponding and compelling need to urgently activate necessary protocol required for the construction of this all – important road if the Ibom Deep Seaport is also serve the needs of Oron people who are supposed to be the primary beneficiaries of the project.

    The only major highway leading to the Seaport from Etebi, one is not shy to say, does not and will never be of any benefit nor promote the interest of the greater majority of Oron people. A road to link the people of Uda with their kith and kin in Oron mainland is most preferred. There’s no gainsaying or overemphasying the fact that the Uda – Oduenim – Oruko – Uboro Road will completely change the socioeconomic landscape of Oro Nation.

    I   APPEAL TO YOUR CONSCIENCE,  YOUR EXCELLENCY.

    Apst (Supol) Edet – Honesty Effiong is the President – Emeritus, Uda Community Dev. Union, Lagos Branch. He writes from Ikeja Lagos.